UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi all, I have been having problems with my land lady and would appreciate your advice.  In the summer there was a leak from the flat above.  The complex insurance agreed to pay for the work to repair the damage and my land lady said ito would happen in september october time.  It is a lot of work, new floors, doors, painting etc so I it woould mean packing up book shelves, boxing up cupboard contents etc.  The work didn't happen, but then suddenly in December it all kicked off.  It is now less than a week beofre Christmas and the workers are meant to be finishing tomorrow.  My flat is a mess and I am living out of boxes.  Originally she said I could have January rent free, but then she said it didn't look like the insurance company would cover this.  I did say but that isn't what you agreed and I sent her the letter she asked for stating that I didn't want to pay rent for January.  I added a covering letter saying as agreed I have enclosed the letter you requested

I think I have been very accomodating over the last few months, she has given me one hours notice before wanting to enter the property and the only time I have had a problem is when she didn't give me any notice.


The Landlady also replaced the doubloe bed in the spair room because some of the trim was coming off.  But she has replaced a double bed with what looks to be a queen size bed and the matress is far too small.  Not only that but the bed frame is so big I can't get to the window easily as the head board is so much taller and I can't put every thing that was in the room back.  I have asked to change the bed back and she has refused.  She said she will change the matress for a bigger one.  But then all the bedding I bought new a year ago will not fit and I can't fit everything I need to fit back in the room.  It is simple stuff like my clothes horse (bought to fit the space when up) won't fit now.

Please can you tell me, do you think I have any rights to say no, I want a double bed and I am not accepting the queen size, or am I stuck?
Thanks for your help.

Hello Janel,

Interesting story about the water damage.  Was there a reason for you telling us about that?

As far as you bed goes...  Rights?   Mmmm.  In some ways, it sounds liek she was trying to be a good landlord.  Many landlords would not give a second look at some trim.  But it sounds like she did not consult with you beforehand and I can understand your being inconvenienced.

If she is beyond all reasoning...  Maybe you could point out to her that the provision of a replacement household item will require a re-issue of the inventory schedule with all the hassle that entails.  Maybe this will persuade her that a chaep double bed base is not that expensive after all?